Unlike this spring, when the virus spread in hot spots such as meatpacking plants, nursing homes and prisons, this time much of the new cases in rural areas appear to be occurring through community contacts, and that is worrying to health officials because such transmission is harder to trace and contain. (Wall Street Journal)  

Trade negotiators from the United States and China will discuss the implementation of the phase one trade deal in the coming days, with China likely to bring up issues surrounding TikTok and WeChat. (Reuters)

Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers Association and University of Illinois Extension hosted two calls to discuss best practices for your Agritourism or Pick Your Own Operation to operate during COVID-19. Learn more on our Local Foods and Specialty Crops page.  

L&A; Family Farms just south of Paris, Illinois, is welcoming folks back this year to its annual sunflower maze as the first blooms unfolded. (The Washington Times)  

 COVID-19 accelerated change in the agriculture industry, making consumer connections with farming more important than ever. (WDBJ)  

This summer’s warm and wet weather has been good for crops and bad for crop prices. (The News-Gazette)